Is Electricity Theft (Bypass) Really A Crime In Nigeria.Daily Law Tips (Tip 341) by Onyekachi Umah, Esq., LLM. ACIArb(UK)
Like any other commodity that can be stolen, it is a criminal offence to steal electricity in any part of Nigeria. Electricity theft is the act of knowingly and willingly stealing, diverting or using electricity or electric current. Note that, the person that did an illegal connection, as well as persons that are using illegal electricity are all guilty.
Where the crime is in any state in the Northern part of Nigeria including Federal Capital Territory, the punishment for such is imprisonment for not more than 5 years or and with fine. Where the crime is in any state in the Southern part of Nigeria, the punishment is 3 years without an option of fine.
Note also that, across all parts of Nigeria, illegal disconnection, tampering, meddling and inference with electricity meter, fittings or appliances for generating, transmitting. distributing, supplying, calculating, converting or selling electricity is an offence punishable with maximum of 21 years imprisonment. This is necessary to mention, since most electricity theft includes unlawful tampering and interferences with electric fittings and meters.
References:
1. Sections 286(2) and 287 of the Penal Code Act 1960
2. Sections 1 and 400 of Criminal Code Act, 1916.
3. Sections 1(10) and 5 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 1983.
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Feel free to reach the author, ask questions or make inquiries on this topic or any other legal issues via onyekachi.umah@gmail.com or +2348037665878.
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